ASEAN Architect Council Strengthens Education Collaboration at 46th Meeting

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam — 13 November 2023

The ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) reinforced its commitment to advancing regional mobility, harmonising professional standards, and enhancing architectural education during its 46th Meeting held on 13 November 2023 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The meeting was held back-to-back with the 105th CCS Meeting and attended by representatives from all ASEAN Member States.

Updating Regional Architect Databases and Monitoring Committees

The AAC Secretariat noted the completion of Myanmar’s ASEAN Architect (AA) list, confirming all 16 architects as active members. AMS were reminded to regularly update their national AA lists to ensure the regional database remains accurate and up to date. Cambodia and Thailand presented updates on their respective Monitoring Committees.

Active ASEAN Architect Numbers Rise to 608

The Council approved five new AA registrations: three from Brunei Darussalam, one from Indonesia, and one from Malaysia. This brings the total number of active ASEAN Architects to 608. An application from Cambodia was deferred to the following year, pending fulfilment of the required post-licensing experience.

Implementing Mobility Amendments and Advancing Pilot Projects

The AAC confirmed that amendments to reduce experience requirements for AA registration—from ten years to a combination of two years post-graduation and five years post-licensure—will be implemented administratively. Eight AMS have submitted their confirmation letters, while Lao PDR and Viet Nam are finalising their regulatory adjustments.

The Council also reviewed ongoing preparations for Brunei Darussalam’s architecture pilot competition. Brunei presented project details including site information, planning goals, and competition guidelines, clarifying that it will be structured as an idea competition. The AAC will discuss rules, eligibility, jury composition, awards, and schedules at the next meeting.

33rd AAEC Meeting Highlights Education Reforms and Taxonomy Alignment

The 33rd ASEAN Architect Education Committee (AAEC) meeting featured updates from Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand on architectural education programmes, including distinctions between 4-year, 4+1, and 4+2 systems. The Philippines presented its approach to recognising master’s degree hours toward internship requirements.

The committee adopted revisions to the template for education-based specialisation lists and requested AMS to update their submissions accordingly. The chairmanship of AAEC was officially handed over from Viet Nam to Singapore for the 2024–2026 term.

Survey Insights and Regulatory Harmonisation

AMS including Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam presented updates on the AAC Survey on Architectural Practice. Cambodia outlined its three-tier registration system, prompting suggestions to streamline oversight under a single agency. No new submissions were received for surveys on building permit submissions or professional specialisation.

AA Congress Outcomes and Future Leadership

Indonesia briefed delegates on the outcomes of the 4th AA Congress held in Makassar, which featured discussions on mobility challenges and regulatory solutions across AMS. Cambodia announced its intention to host the 6th AA Congress in 2025, while the host for the 5th Congress in 2024 remains under discussion.

The Council also noted that Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar are being consulted to take up future AAC Chairmanship roles for the 2024–2029 period.